Tears As Court Orders Remand Of Arrested Ekpoma Protesters At Edo Correctional Centre
Tears as Court Orders Remand of Arrested Ekpoma Protesters in Edo Correctional Centre
January 13, 2026
The Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, has ordered the remand of several youths arrested during the recent protest in Ekpoma at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
The order followed a request by the prosecution for a 14-day remand to allow further investigations. Proceedings at the court were marked by emotional scenes as some of the protesters and their relatives broke down in tears while the accused were being escorted into a waiting vehicle.
The protest, which took place last weekend, was sparked by growing anger over kidnapping and other security challenges in Ekpoma, a town in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. Videos circulating on social media showed residents protesting alleged rising cases of abduction and killings in Edo Central, while some individuals, suspected to be cattle breeders, were seen fleeing a market during the demonstration.
Protest Was Hijacked — Police
The Edo State Police Command said it intervened swiftly after the protest was allegedly hijacked by hoodlums. In a statement issued on Sunday, the police said the Area Commander in Ekpoma mobilised officers in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the protest remained peaceful and lawful.
“Regrettably, the protest was hijacked, with all rules of peaceful protest ignored, leading to incidents including malicious damage, looting of property, vandalisation of shops, and the discharge of firearms by a military personnel at a protester,” the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said.
According to the police, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, personally led additional tactical reinforcements from the State Command Headquarters in Benin to Ekpoma to restore public order and prevent further escalation.
Through coordinated deployments, strategic positioning of personnel and professional crowd-control measures, the command said normalcy was quickly restored. The police added that those involved in violence, vandalism and looting were identified and arrested, with investigations ongoing to bring all culpable persons to justice.
Youth Shot During Protest
The police confirmed that a 32-year-old man, Osagie Abraham, who was shot during the protest, is currently receiving medical care at a health facility in Ekpoma. CP Agbonika reportedly visited the victim and ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.
The command said the military personnel involved in the shooting has been identified and the appropriate military authorities notified for administrative and disciplinary action.
While reaffirming citizens’ constitutional right to protest, the police stressed that demonstrations must be conducted peacefully and without infringing on the rights, safety and property of others.
Addressing concerns over kidnapping, the Commissioner of Police assured residents that intensified intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols and targeted tactical interventions are underway across Edo State, including Ekpoma.
Rising Insecurity Concerns
Some residents have expressed fears over the presence of herders allegedly living deep within communities and accused of attacking villagers. The Convener of the Esan Worldwide Community, Aigbokhan Oseremen, called on the Edo State Government to regulate settlement in rural areas.
He urged authorities to introduce a permit system for anyone seeking to live in villages or forested areas, adding that such individuals should be closely monitored. He also alleged that many of the herders were involved in criminal activities.
Government Reacts
The Edo State Government has assured residents that decisive steps are being taken to address insecurity. Governor Monday Okpebholo said his administration has invested heavily in modern security equipment, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to combat kidnapping, cultism and other crimes.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor said security operations are ongoing across the state and are already yielding results.
“This administration will not allow criminals or their sponsors to take Edo State hostage. Anyone involved in kidnapping, cultism or any form of criminality will be tracked down and brought to justice. There will be no hiding place for perpetrators,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace and called on residents to support security agencies with credible information and refuse to shield criminals within their communities.